Monday, December 30, 2013

Also from December 30, 2013. (This was sent in response to a rquest for a message to be printed in the ward newsletter.)

Elder Jordan Tanner
El Salvador Santa Ana Mission
 
I had my first Christmas in the mission. And honestly it was a Christmas full of joy. It makes you realize how blessed we are. Here in El Salvador the kids get very little.  The custom is that they have a dinner--they cook a chicken and then after they do fireworks. This is the only thing they get. Some get a new outfit or a toy car and you have never seen a child so grateful. It makes me think of how blessed I have been all my life. Another thing I noticed was that when we spend a Christmas in the service of the Lord, we feel the true spirit of Christmas. It is so easy to forget about the fact that this holiday is based on our Lord and our Redeemer Jesus Christ.
 
I hope all had a good Christmas and a good year. Now is the time to start new and be better. New Year resolutions are a change in your life--and the true definition of change is repentance. Leaving behind something and starting new and not returning to do it again. Never stop doing the things that get you closer to God and you will have more peace and joy in all that you do.
 
Love,
 
Elder Tanner

"The Lord is preparing so many people right now. We're so blessed." December 30, 2013

This week was super great. It went by super fast. And we ate a lot. Some cool things. Yesterday a volcano erupted in a different part of El Salvador, we didn't feel it or see it (which was a bummer) but still cool.

When we were skyping, Zach asked me the weirdest thing I've seen, and I saw it last week. These guys haul wood on a wooden cart the has like 3 inch metal wheels, and is like 5 inches off the ground. So they sit down on it with a pile of wood and drive with like a little rope, and it's the craziest thing ever. I saw a guy, at least 70 years old going like 40 down the highway, cause its all down hill. It's the sketchiest thing ever, but super funny looking.

But anyways, we got a gift from above. Last week this girl came to church with her friend that's a member, after church we taught her and she told us she wants to get baptized, so for the 12th of January we have a date. She also called me over during church and told me she decided that she wants me to baptize her so that was cool. The easiest date we ever put. Also we pretty much have a date with an old guy named LEONITUS! yes Leonitus the same name as the guy on 300, so pro. But he's old and really sick. He walks around with get ready.... a catheter...poor guy. He went for the first time yesterday, and stayed for all the meetings and after went to the baptism. He asked me afterwards what he needs to do to get baptized. So it will be easy with him too. The Lord is preparing so many people right now. We're so blessed. Also, the biggest news......... QUENTIN L. COOK is coming to our mission the 23 of January!!!! So pumped!! Anyways, hope you all have a good week!!
love,
elder tanner

Monday, December 16, 2013

Jordan on his way to his first transfer.

                                                       Last picture with his "old" district.

"This area is super cool. Lots of volcanoes and I felt my first earthquake!!!" December 16, 2013



So you guys all heard I left my area. it was really sad, lots of the members were crying and me and the other missionaries that were leaving we were crying.. but its good. Now I'm in my new area, Nahuizalco. Yesterday we baptized someone, and Tuesday I had my last baptism in Colon. 
 My new comp is elder Rodriguez. Another Honduranio.  This area is super cool. Lots of volcanoes and I felt my first earthquake!!! So cool! I'm district leader, I kinda hate being it though. I wanted to be a regular missionary the whole time ha-ha.  
I got the stuff from Mormor!!! I loved it so much! I tell everyone about how cool my grandma is and Pappy!!  
We live with the zone leaders so we live us four in the house. Pretty fun, cause they are super cool!! I will update you about the call by Skype next week it will be the 24 or 25, depending on what time I choose! love you guys.
          -elder tanner

Monday, December 9, 2013

"Our investigators are thheeeeee best!" December 9, 2013

Yeah Ben can wear my jacket... just don't sweat in it lots.

But this week was awesome. We put two more baptism dates!! Tomorrow is one lady named Patty that I'm gonna baptize and then the 19th we have a date with Wilfredo!! Wilfredo has been going to church for 9 months! All his family is members and he is so good! We've been teaching him all my 5 months I've had in this area, but there are changes Wednesday so I don't know if I'll still be in the area when we baptize Wilfredo, but its all good! I'm so pumped for him, and we hope to go to their sealing in one year!

But this week was a week of more eating. Our investigators are thhheeeeee best! We get at least two lunches and one dinner like everyday.

 Did you guys watch the Christmas Devotional? It was so great, but a little sad to see Salt Lake! But the little kids singing and the talk by elder nelson were so great. One of our elders in our ward put a baptism date right after watching it. His investigator after said,"What do I need to do to get baptized?" Super cool. But anyways love you all. Be good.

elder tanner

Monday, December 2, 2013

"How can you baptize me?" December 2, 2013

This week was super great! We baptized two people Saturday, Milena and Manuel. They are 13 and 10.  Great young people. I baptized the girl Milena and my companion baptized Manuel. We are still working on baptizing their moms, but we will do that this weekend.

It was a super fun week, we ate so much. We  had a Thanksgiving with all the mission and then at the Lopez'.  I got to see some of my buds.  It was super cold for here this week.  It was like 60 or 55 and you should of seen the people here.  They were all bundled up like it was snowing. I was dying laughing cause it was literally perfect.

We also brought the guy without legs to church. He hadn't been out of the house in a month and a half and he loved it. This week we invited him to be baptized and he said," yeah, but how can you baptize me?" We told him that the Lord has a way for everything, and that if he has a commandment, all can follow it and be part of the blessings.

But for real a super great week, it flew by. It was a little bad not being able to be at home watching football with the fam and eating with you guys. But its all good. I completed 6 months this last week too! Anyways I love you all!

elder tanner